this is why I suggest always taping the passkey to the router and the wifi to the bottom of the router. You might try resetting the router to default and go through the configuration again, have you tried first unplugging the router from the power and let it set a few minutes then plugging it back in? that is always the first thing to try. I would shut down the pc, unplug the modem and router, wait a while, plug in modem let it get fully established, plug in router let it get fully established, then boot pc an see if it seems to hold better.

To secure the connection, you need to set up both the router and the computer to use some sort of security. The two main types of wireless security are WEP and WPA. WEP is older and less secure, so if both router and computer support WPA, you should go that route. The router should have some instructions with it to tell how to secure it and that should include step by step instructions for setting up the computer, also. If it's not secure, what that means is that anybody within range of the router can connect to the router and share your internet connection (and possibly get access to your computer depending on how yo've got everything set up).

If you can hardwire it, an access point would give you better reliability and performance. I’m not a huge fan of range extenders because they get their signal from your existing brodcasted wireless so it will likely be degraded. That said, they can be handy when you cant run a physicsl cable to its location.

I sang the praises of the Orbit Bhyve hose controller a few days ago and need to add a notice. These units can be purchased with and without a Wi-Fi hub. I purchased the unit without the hub. The box however states that there is an easy Wi-Fi Upgrade. Not true. I have called Orbit and cannot order one from them (da?) and I also called Home Depot at their recommendation. Evidently, Home Depot cannot order one either. My solution is to take the used unit I purchased back to the store where I bought it and get a refund. Perhaps, next year I will purchase the combo (Controller + Wi-Fi Hub). I have 5 Orbit battery operated mechanical controllers that I primarily used before I added the in-ground sprinkler system to my back yard and they worked flawlessly. I purchased a couple of the newer models as well and they too work well. One of the new ones did malfunction, but Orbit is replacing that unit. I like the idea of the Bhyve hose controller because (with a Wi-Fi hub) it allows me to spot sprinkle an area with the hose bib and control the watering schedule according to my needs using my smart phone, or computer, etc., from anywhere I have an internet signal. For me, this can be especially useful on hot summer days when an area is being attended to and I don't need an entire in-ground zone running to water the area; or maybe the in-ground zone doesn't hit the area just right. Anyway, I like the Orbit controllers, but thought I needed to update my previous post. Orbit should pay more attention to its box advertising; hence the need for this post.